Walk CLOSED Featuring cascading waterfalls, breathtaking vistas and rugged rainforest, this walk demonstrates how much Wentworth Falls has to offer. It encompasses the beautiful falls in the Valley of the Waters, amazing views of Jamison Valley from the Historic National Pass and the cool forests of Wentworth Pass. Allow some time to watch and enjoy the cascading water at the bottom of Wentworth Falls.
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Blue Mountains National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Conservation Hut, National Pass, Wentworth Pass Circuit
Cross sectional view of the Conservation Hut, National Pass, Wentworth Pass Circuit bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Conservation Hut, National Pass, Wentworth Pass Circuit bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
4.8km
Time
4 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
4km of this walk has short steep hills and another 500m is very steep. The remaining (270m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.
Quality of track
2.9km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.7km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (110m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 3.4km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.4km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 4km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 760m requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 2.7km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 2.1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 2.4km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.4km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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Conservation Hut is a small cafe perched above the Valley of the Waters, Blue Mountains National Park. The hut was opened in 1963 as a meeting place for the local conservation movement. Rebuilt, Conservation Hut opened as a cafe in 1993, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Around the Conservation Hut is a small parking area, public toilets, picnic shelters, town water and B&B's. For further information or bookings call (02) 4757 3827. More info
(0 km)
Conservation Hut
to
Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 324 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -75 m
From Conservation Hut, this walk follows the 'Valley of the Waters' sign down some timber and dirt steps passing a couple of picnic shelters. The track soon leads to the signposted intersection with the 'Short Cut Track' (still in view of the Conservation Hut). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Valley of the Waters' sign down the steps, passing an information sign. After the handrail and more signs, the track passes a couple of faint tracks (on the left, leading to an old picnic area). Further down the steps, the walk comes the end of another handrail and a three-way intersection (signposted 'Overcliff Track' and 'National Pass'). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Valley of the Waters' sign down the timber steps. The track passes a few faint tracks (on the left, that lead to an unfenced view point). The walk continues down the steps, soon coming to an unsignposted intersection with the Lyrebird Cliff track (on a small sandstone rock platform). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the wooden steps to almost immediately come to the signposted intersection with 'Queen Victoria Lookout' track.
(0.32 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks
to
Queen Victoria Lookout Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 24 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -17 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Queen Victoria Lookout' sign down the steps towards the handrail. Soon the track passes a small lookout on the left and, shortly afterwards, the fence leads to the rock platform and fenced 'Queen Victoria Lookout'. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Queen Victoria Lookout
Alt = 803 m
The Queen Victoria Lookout is perched above the Valley of the Waters, south-west of Conservation Hut. The fenced lookout has views into the narrow section of the valley. The views are made more dramatic by the roar of the waterfalls below and the mists which frequent the area. Empress Falls are only just visible - the main views extend down Jamison Valley. Kings Tableland (left) and Sublime Point(right) dominate the views and the eastern edge of Mount Solitary and beyond is also visible.
(0.32 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks
to
Empress Lookout Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 57 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -18 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps away from 'Queen Victoria Lookout' keeping the rock face to the right. The track soon passes under a sandstone overhang and then down more steps to come to the fenced and signposted 'Empress Lookout'.
Empress Lookout
Alt = 801 m
Empress Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout, perched on a sandstone overhang above the Valley of the Waters Creek. There is a view down to part of the Empress Falls and into the canyon. The views are filtered through the surrounding trees. It makes for a good spot to catch your breath when walking into, or out of, the Valley of the Waters.
(0.38 km)
Empress Lookout
to
Int of Valley of the Waters and Nature Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 92 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -20 m
Turn right: From Empress Lookout, this walk heads down the wooden steps, keeping the handrail and valley to the left. Soon the walk heads downs a series of steep metal staircases that zigzag down the hill. At the bottom of the staircases, the walk follows the handrail through a long sandstone overhang. The track then heads down some steps to come to an intersection with the 'Nature Track' and a sign pointing back to 'National Pass - Tea Rooms'.
(0.47 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Nature Tracks
to
Empress Falls Crossing Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 87 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -14 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Valley of the Waters' sign down the lower track (with the valley initially to the right). The walk heads down the steps following the handrail and, soon after the sharp right bend, the walk crosses Isabel Creek using the stepping stones. Soon, the walk heads down a timber staircase, through a sandstone overhang and winds down the stone steps. After passing a great view of Empress Falls, the track crosses the Valley of the Waters Creek in front of Empress Falls using the stepping stones. (These creeks may not be passable after rain)
Empress Falls
Alt = 780 m
Empress Falls is a spectacular waterfall in the Valley of the Waters. The Valley of the Water Creek comes out of the slot in the cliff and tumbles down a series of cliffs to a sandy pool. The fall is the site of the last abseil in a popular canyon, making a great site for walkers in the area. Stepping stones help walkers cross below the falls. There is a small overhang next to the falls, giving the area shade and offering a great place to rest.
(0.56 km)
Empress Falls Crossing
to
Lodore Falls Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 73 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -9 m
Continue straight: From in front of Empress Falls, this walk heads downstream along the track, keeping the creek to the left. After passing the 'Track' sign (pointing back up to the falls), the walk heads down the steps (with handrail). Soon the steps lead to the base of a wide cascade - Sylvia Falls.
From Sylvia Falls, this walk heads downstream along the track, keeping the creek and handrail to the left. Soon after heading down a staircase, the walk comes to a creek crossing at the base of Lodore Falls.
Lodore Falls
Alt = 768 m
Lodore Falls are a lovely set of falls on the Valley of the Waters Creek. The narrow falls have a staircase on one side and stepping stones (and handrail) crossing the bottom, making it easier for walkers to appreciate this waterfall from many angles. Just beyond the handrail, the water falls over another cliff, providing a great view down the valley.
(0.63 km)
Lodore Falls
to
Top of the Slack Stairs Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.47 km
Time = 1 hr 24 mins
Climb = 411 m
Descent = -424 m
Continue straight: From Lodore Falls, this walk crosses the Valley Of the Waters Creek, keeping the handrail and main valley to the right (This creek may be impassable after rain). The walk then heads down the stairs under a small overhang to soon come to an intersection with Wentworth Pass and a 'National Pass - Conservation Hut' sign pointing back up. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Wentworth Falls' sign up the steps, keeping the valley on the right. After a series of steps (that soon bend around), the walk climbs a staircase up the side of the cliff. At the top, the walk follows the ledge through the small overhangs to then wind along a stepping-stone path along the side of the valley. Passing a sandstone bench-seat, the walk passes a couple more handrailed sections and small creeks. The walk then opens up on a large clear ledge, with great views of Mount Solitary to the right. After passing another similar open ledge, the walk leads further along the cliff. Before long, the walk comes to another handrailed section, with a timber platform that heads behind a waterfall from Den Fenella Creek.
From the Den Fenella Creek waterfall, this walk heads along the path, keeping the valley views to the right. Soon the track heads along a fairly open ledge and comes to a vantage point with great views into the valley. From here, the walk continues along the base of the cliff, mostly along stepping stones. After passing a few more small creeks, the walk comes to a 'Y' intersection at the top of the 'Slack Stairs', with a sign pointing back to 'Valley of the Waters'.
(2.11 km)
Top of the Slack Stairs
to
Int of Wentworth Pass and Lower Wentworth Falls track Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 166 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -165 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Wentworth Pass Via Slack Stairs' sign, down steps and soon down the steep metal stairs. While descending the cliffs, there are great views of the falls and the valley. The metal stairs come to a small boulder, with a rope attached. This walk scrambles down the boulder, then continues down the rough steps until reaching the intersection of the Lower Wentworth Fall track, at the 'Wentworth Falls / Conservation Hut' signpost.
(2.27 km)
Bottom of Wentworth Falls
to
Int of Valley of the Waters and Wentworth Pass Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.75 km
Time = 52 mins
Climb = 207 m
Descent = -150 m
Turn right: From the intersection , this walk follows the 'Conservation Hut' sign along the side of the hill. Soon the track passes a sign pointing back to the falls. The track turns to the right and follows the side of the hill until coming to a short, steep, rough descent and immediate climb. The track goes downhill slightly before scrambling across the front of a small waterfall. This walk continues around the side of the hill and generally stays flat, with the occasional short, steep sections. After some time, the track crosses the Valley of the Waters Creek using a couple of small metal bridges, then climbs up to an intersection, and signs for 'Vera Falls' and 'Conservation Hut'.
(4.03 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Wentworth Pass Tracks
to
Int of Valley of the Waters and National Pass Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 99 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 114 m
Descent = -21 m
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Conservation Hut' arrow along the bush track that winds up the valley. The walk climbs up some rock steps as it winds past another 'Conservation Hut' sign and crosses the creek at the large rocks. The walk then continues along the bush track that winds up the hill and away from the falls, zigzagging steeply up the side of the valley, then climbing some rock steps to the signposted intersection of the 'National Pass' track.
(4.12 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and National Pass Tracks
to
Conservation Hut Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 655 m
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 150 m
Descent = -18 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Conservation Hut' sign up the steps, keeping the creek to the left. After heading under the overhang and up the timber steps, the walk crosses the Valley Of the Waters Creek in front of Lodore Falls (using the stepping stones). This creek may be impassable after rain. Continue straight: From Lodore Falls, this walk heads upstream, up the staircase, keeping the creek on the right. The steps climb to the base of a wider cascade - Sylvia Falls.
From Sylvia Falls, this walk heads up the stairs, keeping the handrail and creek to the right. The path heads up the hill, passing a 'Track' sign before coming to a creek crossing in front of the tall Empress Falls. Continue straight: From the bottom of Empress Falls, this walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, keeping the handrail on the left. On the way up the hill, the walk passes closer to Empress Falls before zigzagging up to a sandstone overhang and timber staircase. At the top of the staircase, the walk crosses Isabel Creek using the stepping stones. The track then winds up the hill, soon coming to an intersection with the 'Nature Track' and a sign pointing back to 'National Pass - Valley of the Waters'. (These creeks may not be passable after rain) Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the wooden steps, following the 'National Pass - Tea Rooms' sign. The walk soon heads though a long rock overhang to the base of a metal staircase. The walk climbs the series of steep metal staircases zigzagging up the hill. After climbing some wooden steps, the walk comes to the fenced and signposted 'Empress Lookout'. Turn left: From the Empress Lookout, this walk heads up the wooden steps away from the lookout. The walk heads up the hill, soon passing under a sandstone overhang then up more steps, coming to a 'Y' intersection with the signposted 'Queen Victoria Lookout' track (on the right). Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from 'Queen Victoria Lookout' up the set of stairs to almost immediately come to a 'Y' intersection with the unsignposted Lyrebird Cliff track (on the right). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the timber and dirt steps, away from the valley views. The track passes a few faint tracks (on the right, that lead to an unfenced view point). The track soon comes to a signposted intersection with the 'Overcliff Track'. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Tea Rooms' sign up the steps, with the handrail on the left. After a short time, the track passes a couple of faint tracks (on the right, leading to an old picnic area). Heading up the main steps, the walk passes another handrail (and signs) then an information sign, before coming to a three-way intersection with the 'Shortcut Track'. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the steps towards the building. The walk passes a couple of picnic shelters (on the right) before coming to the road and the front of the 'Conservation Hut'.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 8 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Blue Mountains National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Grand Canyon walking track The Grand Canyon walking track will be closed from Wednesday 14 October 2015 to mid-June 2016. The closure is necessary to allow work to continue on improving the walking track. Access for canyoners will be on weekends only. Access from Evans Lookout via Beauchamp Falls to the Grose Valley will remain open. Evans Lookout carpark, Loop carpark, and Neates Glen carpark will remain open. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 47878877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed for maintenance. This includes the Gorge Walking track. No access to the area is permitted.Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Hawkesbury area office on (02) 4588 2400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Prince Henry cliff walk, Leura Blue Mountains City Council wishes to advise that Prince Henry cliff walk between Majestic lookout and the junction with the Leura Cascades walk is currently closed due to a landslip. Detours will be in place and clearly signposted around the affected area. Access from the Leura picnic area to the cascades is unaffected. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Tourism on 1300 653 408 or Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Butterbox Swamp track The traditional access to Butterbox Canyon via the endangered swamp is now closed and rehabilitated. No access permitted. Canyoners should use the new track provided. Temporary signage is in place. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Claustral canyon access change Access to Claustral canyon via the previous route across private land at Mount Tomah is no longer possible due to landholders denying access. Canyoners should respect the rights of Mount Tomah residents and avoid using private land. Alternative access from the west side of Mount Bell has been identified. For more information, please contact the Blue Moauntains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Cahills lookout - Katoomba As a result of a recent bushfire, Cahills lookout remains closed until further notice. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Council on (02) 4780 5000.
Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens Waratah Native Gardens Some areas of this park are closed due to a major landslip event occurring across The Gorge Walking Track. Closed areas include The Gorge Walking Track in the Blue Mountains National Park. A full assessment is underway to determine the extent of damage and to ensure the area is made safe. The Gorge Walking Track is closed at the entry trackhead however the Waratah Native Gardens Day Use and Picnic Area located off Valley Ridges Road Berambing (west of Bilpin) has now been reopened. This closure may be extended and any extension will be posted as soon as possible. For more information, please contact NPWS Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines
This is a fantastic walk - highly recommended - includes ladders and one rope assisted descent.
At the beginning of the walk as long as you are continuing in the same rough direction and heading downhill you are going the right way.
After the rest at the bottom of the waterfall we noticed many people did not find the return circuit track and returned via the same track they arrived on. We looked for a while on the opposite side of the water fall before finding the track continued on the same side of the waterfall where we arrived. Before climbing back up the steep hill look left and you will see a less obvious track continue downhill. It is obvious once you find it. The return part of the circuit is quite different to the first half of the walk.
The interesting thing we noticed was how many trees had fallen down but the bush had swallowed any evidence of where they came from.
Enjoy! :P
Stephanie - Great walk
IP:101.171.127.xxx | 2014-11-23 13:12:10
Very enjoyable walk with an easy to follow track. Took me around 3 hours.
I took a wrong turn before I even started - there is a sign around the back of conservation Hut also pointing to "valley of the waters". But it is actually the sign at the front of the building near the eating area you should follow.
Great track notes as usual, I never try a new walk without wild walks print out in hand!
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)